Biography
AFFILIATION: Supporting Act - OSSY BROWN LIVE | SHAW THEATRE | LONDON | MAY 2025
Tkandz (Ayotomiwa Akande) is a 19-year-old Nigerian-British rapper, singer, and songwriter rapidly establishing himself as one of the most compelling voices in the global rap landscape. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Essex, UK, his music bridges cultural worlds, blending the raw energy of UK drill with a late-night, atmospheric melodic pop-rap sound. A completely self-taught artist, Tkandz began his musical journey at just 15 years old, recording tracks on his phone via BandLab. His signature style—characterized by introspective, self-examining lyrics over heavy, cinematic beats—quickly found an audience online. Tkandz skyrocketed to global attention with his massive viral anthem "Now or Never" (produced by CXSPER). The track claimed the No. 1 spot on global viral charts, broke into the UK Top 40, and entered the Billboard Global 200. Cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon, the song became the soundtrack to viral football montages by global superstars like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. With industry co-signs from heavyweight artists like Drake, a rare feature on Spotify’s Rap Caviar, and the release of his acclaimed debut album PRODIGY, Tkandz is no longer just a viral sensation—he is the blueprint for the next generation of UK rap.